15/01/13

Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs), or Drones, are vital to US national security. The complex systems employed on UAVs use a myriad of electronic sensors for precise control and feedback. To control the UAVs’ attitude (pitch, roll and yaw), actuators are used to exert forces on the flight control surfaces. The precise measurement of the position of these actuators is crucial in maintaining the proper flight path.

The sensors used to measure actuator position need to meet three essential criteria; high accuracy, high reliability and lightweight. All three of these attributes can be found in the Position Sensor XS-B Series Subminiature LVDT, supplied by StrainSense. Measuring less than 2 inches in length, and with a diameter of just 0.188” (4.77mm), the XS-B Series LVDT has become the sensor of choice for numerous manufacturers of UAVs. The 0.5% linearity satisfies the accuracy requirements of most applications. The totally non-contact design eliminates wear related issues, while the time proven/highly reliable coil design affords worry free operation near or exceeding 1 million hours. Environmentally, the XS-B shock survival rating of 1,000 g’s, vibration tolerance of 20g up to 2kHz, and operating temperature range of -67oF to +428oF (-55oC to +220oC), meets or exceeds industry requirements. The corrosion resistant Kovar housing provides dependable mounting.

The XS-B Series Subminiature LVDT is available in standard stroke ranges of ±0.10” (±2,54mm) and ±0.25” (6.35mm), with custom designs available in extended ranges.